A Watch with a View
After 20 years of the L.U.C Collection from the Chopard Manufacture, Chopard has garnered aficionados around the globe.
Just as the Swiss & European Establishment has deigned to recognised excellence at Chopard with the “Aiguille d’Or” at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève 2017, top collectors in the emerging markets of the Americas, Gulf States and the Far East have switched on to their "in-house approach to watch manufacturing".
Without a historical “brand logo bias“, these new aficionados can just focus on the merits of the watches they buy.
L.U.C Perpetual T Spirit of the Chinese Zodiac Ref.161941-5002
Rewarding the connoisseurs amongst the Chinese of the Far East and celebrating life’s finest milestones, as well as honouring traditional Chinese arts, Chopard reached an astronomical level with an extraordinary new one-off creation: L.U.C Perpetual T – Spirit of the Chinese Zodiac.
Chopard artisans created an entirely hand-engraved rose gold case depicting the 12 signs of the Chinese Zodiac. This superlative paragon of artistic craftsmanship, paying tribute to a culture, is intended for the most discerning collector.
L.U.C Perpetual T Spirit of the Chinese Zodiac Ref.161941-5002
After creating an annual edition of the L.U.C XP Urushi, in tribute to the Oriental Zodiac sign in-residence as reported before HERE, with the L.U.C Perpetual T – Spirit of the Chinese Zodiac, Chopard has portrayed the entire Chinese Zodiac on the case with a black patina coating adorning 18-carat rose gold.
The 12 signs are individually represented using the champlevé engraving technique. Meticulous patience was the currency needed to hollow out little cavities that are then filled with black patina. The engraver devoted 200 hours to create this tribute to Chinese culture with 12 animals in chronological order symbolising the Chinese calendar.
L.U.C Perpetual T Spirit of the Chinese Zodiac Ref.161941-5002
The tiger’s head is seen on the crown while his body adorns the case.
A dragon and a snake are coiled between the lugs.
L.U.C Perpetual T Spirit of the Chinese Zodiac Ref.161941-5002
Naturally rare by its sheer complexity and the work involved in its making, as well as by the mastery of artistic crafts it entails, the L.U.C Perpetual T – Spirit of the Chinese Zodiac is a limited edition of one piece.
It will be the object of an exclusive presentation to Asian collectors at a private exhibition in Beijing.
L.U.C Perpetual T Spirit of the Chinese Zodiac Ref.161941-5002
Mechanical Exclusivity
Calibre L.U.C 02-15L
As befitting a depiction of the Chinese calendar, the mechanical movement is one of the most prestigious horological complication – a perpetual calendar, a tourbillon and with more than one-week power reserve ensured by the four barrels of the Quattro® system – raises this timepiece to the noblest rank.
The perpetual calendar carries technical as well as ergonomic significance. Indicating the complete date while taking account of the variable durations of the months, including leap years, is a challenge ably met by L.U.C Calibre 02.15-L.
The L.U.C Perpetual T, fully encased, has successfully undergone testing by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute to allow the “Chronometer” inscription on the dial.
Aesthetic Exclusivity
L.U.C Perpetual T Spirit of the Chinese Zodiac Ref.161941-5002
The solid gold dial of the L.U.C Perpetual T is decorated with a hand-engraved motif from traditional Chinese iconography and also features on the bezel and the rose gold buckle. The entire L.U.C Calibre 02.15-L has been hand-decorated in keeping with the traditions of Haute Horlogerie.
The quality of the surface treatments and construction restrictions entitles the L.U.C Perpetual T – Spirit of the Chinese Zodiac to bear the Poinçon de Genève (Geneva Seal) quality hallmark.
Price
US$ 264,380.
HK$ 1,840,000.
SG$ 336,990.
RMB or CNY 1,790,000.
PuristS Comments
There are many timepieces for the aficionado of fine watchmaking available today from a handful of superb watchmakers. Personally and on behalf of PuristSPro, I consider myself blessed with the opportunity to experience some of the best.
I am exquisitely happy with my modest personal watch collection from Chopard but this L.U.C Perpetual T – Spirit of the Chinese Zodiac made me gasp in wonder.
If only I had the spare quarter million dollars......
"The true cost of luxury is the choice that it affords."
Technical details
L.U.C Perpetual T – Spirit of the Chinese Zodiac
Unique piece in 18-carat rose gold
Case:
18ct rose gold
Total diameter 43 mm
Thickness 15.02 mm
Water resistance 30 metres
Hand-engraved 18ct rose gold crown 6.50 mm
Case middle hand-engraved with the 12 Chinese zodiac signs ordered chronologically
Bezel hand-engraved with motifs inspired by Chinese iconography
Glareproofed sapphire crystal
Open case-back
Movement:
Hand-wound movement L.U.C 02.15-L
Number of components 353
Total diameter 33.00 mm
Thickness 9.35 mm
Number of jewels 31
Frequency 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Power reserve approx. 216 hours
Four barrels - Quattro technology
Tourbillon regulator, blackened steel bridge
Phillips terminal curve
Bridges adorned with the Côtes de Genève motif
Chronometer-certified (COSC)
Poinçon de Genève quality hallmark
Dial and hands:
Hand-engraved and varnished 18ct gold dial bearing slate grey snailed counters
Perpetual calendar indications (twin-aperture large date, day of the week and 24-hour sub-dial, month and leap-year counter)
Dauphine fusée-type hands for the hours and minutes as well as the calendar days and months; gilt small seconds hand
Triangular date and year hands
Functions and displays:
Central display of the hours and minutes
Small seconds and tourbillon at 6 o’clock
Large date at 12 o’clock
Perpetual calendar
Power-reserve indicator on the case-back side
Strap and buckle:
Hand-sewn black alligator leather with alligator lining
Hand-engraved 18ct rose gold pin buckle
Ref. 161941-5002 – unique piece in 18K rose gold
Regards,
MTF